Saturday, October 29, 2011

Happy Birthday Statue of Liberty!

To keep the head-badge theme going, but even better, to celebrate Lady Liberty's 125th birthday (dedicated on October 28, 1886), I thought I'd share this Chicago Cycle Supply Co. Liberty head badge. It's among my favorites because the image is so detailed. You can even make out the bricks in the base and her crown.

When this circa-1941 badge was new the stripes bordering the word LIBERTY were red and blue to complement the white background behind the word. Some of the white remains. Though I bought it separately (I only remove badges from completely ruined bikes), it probably originally added a touch of class to a Schwinn cruiser.

I hope this king-size photo makes you feel like you're on Liberty Island looking up at her (click to enlarge).

Jim


6 comments:

Jasonbell said...

I have a bike with this exact badge on the front. I have torn it down and cleaning it up. i bought this bike off ebay when i got it it had been repainted several times. i plan on restoring it. i'm about 25 % done. i know its a womans bike and it is a 1950 due to the serial number on the bottom of the crank..but what is the name of the bike. is it just a cruiser?

Jim Langley said...

Yes, Jasonbell, your bike is "just a cruiser," but I would call it a classic girl's cruiser since it's an older cruiser bike made for kids and young adults. I believe the bike was built by Schwinn so you could call it a Schwinn, too. Hope this helps!
Jim

Jasonbell said...

I found where it said starlet on the chain guard. I've cleaned it up. Lightly polished the badge it's really coming out great. Thanks

Jim Langley said...

Sounds great, Jason. Have fun!

Unknown said...

I, too, have a Liberty! My dad gave it to me with the Whizzer motor mounted. I am having a hard time finding info on the Chicago Cycle relationship and even dating the bike. The serial number is L89741, placing around 1954, but dad believes he bought the bike pre-1950. Any chance the SN may not be Scwinn's?

Jim Langley said...

Hi Paul, I am not an expert on dating the bikes, but I know who is: Leon Dixon. You might try visiting his website and emailing him with a photo of your bike. If he's not too busy, I know he'll know the answer, but I know he gets tons of requests for help, too, and can't answer every one. But I think it would be worth trying. His website is:
http://nbhaa.com/index.html#anchor0

Good luck!
Jim